Florida Fire Code 49-03-4: Flammables/debris in boiler/heater room

Overview

Fire code 49-03-4 (Flammables/debris in boiler/heater room) is a Flammable Materials and Storage citation with 232 citations across Florida food establishments. Boiler rooms and water heater rooms contain some of the highest-temperature equipment in a building.

Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records and Florida fire safety statutes.

232Total Citations
0Past 12 Months
49-SeriesFlammable Materials and Storage
ReportingDisposition

Legal reference: 61C-1.004(6) FAC

What the Code Says

49-03-4 — Flammables/debris in boiler/heater room

Flammable materials stored or debris present in the boiler room or water heater room, in close proximity to high-temperature equipment and open flames.

— Florida Statutes & Administrative Code, DBPR Fire Safety Reporting

Fire Safety Risk

Boiler rooms and water heater rooms contain some of the highest-temperature equipment in a building. Storing flammable materials — gas tanks, cleaning chemicals, rubber mats, cardboard — in these rooms places combustible fuel directly next to intense heat sources. Boiler rooms are often enclosed spaces where a fire can develop rapidly and cut off escape routes.

Legal Requirements

Boiler rooms and water heater rooms must be kept completely free of all stored items, debris, and flammable materials. Only equipment directly related to the heating system should be present. Gas tanks, cleaning supplies, mops, rubber mats, and other combustible items must be stored elsewhere. These rooms should be inspected regularly.

Legal Basis

61C-1.004(6) FAC — Attics, basements, boiler rooms, meter rooms, laundry rooms, and storage rooms shall be kept clean and free of debris and flammables.

— 61C-1.004(6) FAC

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida fire code 49-03-4?
Florida fire code 49-03-4 (Flammables/debris in boiler/heater room) falls under the Flammable Materials and Storage category. Flammable materials stored or debris present in the boiler room or water heater room, in close proximity to high-temperature equipment and open flames.
Why is fire code 49-03-4 (Flammables/debris in boiler/heater room) dangerous?
Boiler rooms and water heater rooms contain some of the highest-temperature equipment in a building. Storing flammable materials — gas tanks, cleaning chemicals, rubber mats, cardboard — in these rooms places combustible fuel directly next to intense heat sources. Boiler rooms are often enclosed spaces where a fire can develop rapidly and cut off escape routes.
What are the requirements for fire code 49-03-4?
Boiler rooms and water heater rooms must be kept completely free of all stored items, debris, and flammable materials. Only equipment directly related to the heating system should be present. Gas tanks, cleaning supplies, mops, rubber mats, and other combustible items must be stored elsewhere. These rooms should be inspected regularly.
How common is fire code 49-03-4 in Florida?
Fire code 49-03-4 (Flammables/debris in boiler/heater room) has been cited 232 times across Florida food establishments. In the past 12 months, there have been 0 citations.

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